Document feeding apparatus



w. J. HANSON EFAL 2,977,114

DOCUMENT FEEDING APPARATUS March 28, 1961 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 6, 1956 J: INVENTORS WA L7ER TA AA/sm BY RQBERTE. scv/MEc/r ATTORNEY March 28, 1961 w. J. HANSON ETAL 7 DOCUMENT FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 6, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS WALTER TflA/VOA/ Y ROBERT E SCW/ /AFCA ATTORNEY March 28, 1961 Filed m. a, 1956 W. J. HANSON EI'AL DOCUMENT FEEDING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ill ll IN VENTORS WAFER a." //A/w'o4 BY ROBEPTE sc/mic/f ia/m AT'I'OKNEY' March 28, 1961 w. J. HANSON E'l'AL 2,977,114

DOCUMENT FEEDING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 6, 1956 W mJ P w m POBEPT E. SCV/MEC/f A TTORNEY March 28, 1961 w. J. HANSON ETAL 2,977,114

DOCUMENT FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 6, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORJ WALTER UV/AA JO Y Y/POBERT E, sC/VMECK gi /m AT TOR NE Y March 28, 1961 w. J. HAN-SON ETAL 2,977,114

DOCUMENT FEEDING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 nvvzm ons WAUER U. //AA/ 0// ROBERT E. SCA MEC f Filed Aug. 6, 1956 ATTORNEY United States Patent O DOCUMENT FEEDING APPARATUS Walter J. Hanson and Robert 'E. Schmeck, Old Greenwich, Conn., assignors to Pitney-Bowes, Inc., Stamford, Conn., a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 6, 1956, Ser. No. 602,191 8 Claims. Cl. 271-32 This invention relates'to a system wherein sheets or documents such as bank checks, tabulatin-g cards and the like are sorted into groups in accordance. with data indicated thereon either directly through printed letters and numerals or through code marks (visible or..invisib1e).

More particularly the invention .is related to a novel means for feeding and stacking checks and the like of mixed size and thickness while running at high speeds, that is, speeds greater than 800 pieces per minute.

For the purpose of simplicity the term checks will be used for the pieces worked upon but it will be understood that any other sheet-like workpiece may be used, including heavier workpieces such as letters. I

In the processing of checks in the present system, the primary consideration is to advance checks through the system at high speed inasmuch as the actual data reading and gating are accomplished electronically.

It is the primary object of the invention therefore to initially move checks from a stack one at a time at the highest speed possible consistent with efficient operation without regard for the accurate timing thereof.

A further object is to inter-pose a timing device in the path of the moving check to accurately time the check for data reading, triggering and stacking.

A further object is to conclude the movement of the check at the same high speed by diverting the check into a preselected gate path where the checks of like selected character are stacked.

A further and important object of the invention is to effect initial control of the check by opposed running feed belts the purpose of which is to prevent the normal feed of checks but to effect check advancement at predetermined periods by vacuum feed means associated with the feed belts which move in an advancing direction.

It is also an object to provide pulley driven belts with openings at predetermined locations and to include vacuum means along the check feeding reach thereof, whereby the moving check may be drawn to the belt and moved to a discharge position.

It is a further object to provide means which will permit discontinuance of check advancement while under vacuum control by cutting off the vacuum supply.

It is another object to provide stacking means to receive checks while moving at high speed and to provide means for effecting alignment .of the leading and lower edges of the checks.

It is a further object .to provide for the feed of a check past reading, triggering and like devices and select the proper stacking station for the check to enter in accord ance with the data read. a g

It is also an object to provide means for radiating or dissipating heat developed in the parts associated with the check advancing and reverse feed belts to thereby enhance the higher speed of operation. 7

Other objects will appear in the following description and in the claims.

In the drawings a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the check feeding, timing, reading and stacking system;

7 2,977,114 Patented Mar. 28, 1961 Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the check advancing and reverse feed unit with parts in section and parts broken away, and showing one check as having been advanced the distance of the reach of the advancing feed belt;

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Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 6-6 of Fig. 1;

Fig.7 is an enlarged plan section taken along the line 7--7 of Fig. 6;

Fig. '8 is a cross sectional view taken 8-8 of Fig. 7; and

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic plan view showing the general system and a drive for all the driven elements from a single motor drive source, also showing a wiring diagram feeding position generally indicated at 2 2, Fig. 2. Here the foremost check is separated from the other checks and is advanced at high speed in the direction of a timing unit 23 which corrects the check speed prior to the processing of data thereon at a reading position 24. Suitable feed mechanism 25' continues the check movement toward receiving and stacking units indicated at 26.

The check is thus passed from the starting platform 2%) through feeding, timing and reading positions, then to a selected stacking position in accordance with a signal determined by the reader. Check sorting is thus adapted to be effected in accordance with predetermined data on the check, such as sequence of serial number for example, or any other data.

Although the system provides for the complete processing of each check from a pre-feeding to a final stacking position, the essence of the invention more particularly involves the feeding of checks at high speed. To this end the various steps in feeding and stacking will be described in detail. a

The check platform 20 which supports the checks in a vertical position is freely movable in a forwardly direction, suitable rollers and tracks being provided as indicated at 27 and 28 respectively. The foremost check is thus urged against the agitator feed wheel 21. The agitator feed wheel has several flat sides, as best shown in Fig. 1, and is mounted on a shaft 30 carried by a bracket 31, the bracket being attached to a vertical upright 32 forming part of the frame structure of the machine.

' The frame generally comprises a platform 33 which is suitably supported by brackets 34 normally carried by a base plate 35. A check guide deck 37 is mounted on the platform 33 with its guiding surface in alignment with the surface of the sliding platform 20.

The agitator wheel 21 is continuously rotated in a clockwise direction and is angularly positioned toeffect both endwise and downward urging of the foremost check.

It is the purpose of the feeding structure to advance the foremost check by means of an advancing feed belt unit generally indicated at 39 and prevent a'second check along the line from advancing by means of a reverse feed belt unit generally indicated at 40. V

The advancing feed belt unit comprises a plurality of horizontally disposed vertieallyspaced belts 41. Each belt is supported by pulleys 42, the pulleys being supported on shafts 43 and arranged in a triangular order such that two of the shafts and associated pulleys form the base while the other shaft and associated pulleys siderable length of belt thus providing for the dissipation of heat after the belt moves beyond the short working or check feeding area. Long belts have an added advantage also in that belts of standard length may be used. To provide for further heat dissipation the supporting structure for the pulleys 42 is particularly arranged in a framework which is sufficiently open to allow free circulation of air. The pulley shafts 43 are supported in ball bearings 44 within mountings 45 carried by upper and lower supporting plates 46 to provide free running shafts. One shaft 43a extends through the platform 33 and is supported within a ball bearing 44a carried by the base plate 35. See Fig. 3. The entire advancing feed belt unit is adapted to pivot about the shaft 43a to provide an adjustment relative to the reversing feed belts for the entrance of the checks. When properly adjusted the entire unit is adapted to be clamped in position againstthe platform 33 by a stud 36 and nut 36a, Fig. 3. The stud 36 passes from the lower plate 46 through a collar 36b.

As best seen in Fig. 3 the belts 41 are three in number with the upper and lower belts wider than the center belt. Said upper and lower belts are arranged with a vacuum shoe 47 positioned within the length of the reach of the belt at the check feeding end in a manner best shown in Fig. 2. Said shoe is provided with a vacuum chamber 48 extending substantially the reach of the belt and has a connection with a suitable vacuum supply by means of a connecting unit 49. Said vacuum shoe has a reduced fin portion 51 which fits within a groove teeth of the belt 41. See Fig. 3. Further the belt 41 is perforated to provide at least one opening 53 but may include more than one perforation if desired. In practice it has been found convenient to use two groups of three perforations each, with each group spaced an equal distance from the other, the distance between the groups being greater than the longest check contemplated for use in the system.

Hence, when the leading end of the foremost check has moved into engagement with the surface of the vacuum controlled belts 41 and a group of openings 53 come opposite the leading surface of the check, the vacuum will cause the check to be drawn against the surface of the belts 41 opposite the openings and will move the check therewith until the openings pass beyond the end of the vacuum chamber 47. The vacuum chamber therefore, in cooperation with the openings in the belts, acts in the capacity of a valving element to apply suction when the belt opening or openings reach the vacuum chamber and shut off said suction when the openings pass beyond said vacuum chamber.

Cooperating with the advancing feed belts is the reverse feed belt unit 40. Said reverse feed belt unit is arranged in a similar triangular order to that of the advancing feed belts and comprises pulleys 55 supported by three shafts 54, 54 and 54a two of which 54, 54a form-the base of the triangle, with the third forming the apex of the triangle. Said pulleys are positioned one '52 provided by cutting through the central portion of the above the other in four tiers as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 and are arranged to support belts 56 at positions opposite the spaces between the advancing feed belts 41 with the feeding faces thereof arranged face to face and in substantial alignment with the faces of the feed belts 41. An open framework including upper and lower supporting plates 46a46a is provided for the support of the reversing feed belts 56 similar to that of the support structure for the advancing feed belts, also ball bearing mountings 44a, 45a for the pulley shafts 54, 54 and 54a. There are no vacuum devices, associated with the reversing feed belts but the feeding surfaces thereof have a high coefficient of friction. In contrast, the feeding surfaces of the advancing feed belts have a low coefficient of friction except for portions surrounding the immediate location of the openings. The pulleys 5555 forming the base portion of the triangular arrangement are somewhat closer than the base pulleys 42--42 of the advancing belt unit and are arranged relative thereto to provide a lead-in step portion along the advancing feed belt 41. One shaft designated as 54a extends through the platform 33 and is supported in a ball bearing unit 5412 carried by the base 35. The entire unit is adapted to be pivoted about the shaft 54a to provide an adjustment for the exit end of the reversing feed belt unit. Clamping of the reverse feeding unit is adapted to be effected by a stud 38 and nut 38a similar to the advancing feed belt unit.

Guide members 50-50 may be provided above and below and in an opposed relation to uppermost. and lowermost reverse feed belts 56 at the check engaging surfaces thereof for the purpose of assisting reverse feeding action of the upper and lower reverse feed belts.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that while the advancing feed belts will effect the movement of the foremost check when the openings in the belt and vacuum means draw the check to the belt, the reversing feed belt will prevent those checks immediately behind the foremost check from advancing. Stated in another way, if there is no vacuum, the reversing feed belt with its high coeflicient of surface friction will counteract the low frictional feeding effect of the advancing feed belt, hence making it impossible to feed checks until vacuum is applied.

A power drive is provided from a motor M to a main drive or timing shaft 57 through a belt 57a. Through suitable 1:1 gearing designated at 83 and 84 as will be later described, a drive is provided for an auxiliary drive shaft 58 from the main drive shaft 57. From shaft 58 a a drive is effected through a pulley and drive belt structure 59 to a pulley 60 onthe pivot pulley shaft 54a, associated with the reversing feed, the belt 59 also engaging a pulley 61 on the pivot pulley shaft 43a associated with the advancing feed.

In order to prevent the leading end of a check from being torn or rufiled at the leading edge thereof by the reverse feed belt upon entering between the advancing feed belt 41 and reverse feed belt 56, guide blades are provided as indicated at 62. The guide blades may be provided in pairs bridged at one end to provide a means of securing same to a support plate 71, as best shown in Fig. 4. The free ends of the blades 62 have aligned curved portions 63 which provide a guiding edge beyond the outside surface of the reverse feed belts to thereby maintain the checks out of contact with the reverse feed belts until they approach the point of tangency or bite between the reverse feed belts and the advancing feed 7 shaft 66 supported between the plates 46a---46a-. The idler rollers 64 are urged toward the advancing feed belts by means of springs 67 which are adjustably positioned between the free ends of the bell-cranks and anchor portion 68. An eccentrically adjustable stop 69 is provided to limit the movement of the idler rollers.

To provide for the riffiin'g of checks when feeding the foremost check to the advancing feed belts, anair charge may be provided through a pipe 73, the end of which is directed from the top downward into the leading upper edges of the checks while they are supported on the platform 20.

The timing of the initial feeding of checks by means of'the advancing feed belts will vary and inasmuch as the leading end of one check must be properly timed relative tothe leading end of the following check before they pass by the reading station 24 or more particularly the triggering point 100, proper timing means is provided therefor. Said timing means comprises a disc 74 revolvably mounted on the main drive or timing shaft 57 which shaft is suitably supported by the base plate 35. Also supported on the shaft 57 are diametrically opposed sweep arms 7676 arranged in pairs above. and below the disc 74 as shown in Fig. 5. Each pair of sweep arms is fixed to the shaft 57 with each arm'extending outwardly from the center of the disc 74, the ends thereof coinciding substantially with the outer periphery of the disc. A finger 77 is pivotally mounted at the outer end of each arm, each finger being driven-by centrifugal force against stop portions 79 provided by the ends of the sweep arms. As previously referredto, shaft 57 is directly driven from the motor M which thus effects a continuous sweep motion of the sweep arms 76. The disc 74 which rotates relative to the shaft 57, is rotated at a slightly faster speed than the sweep arms, the drive being effected by means of a gear 78 forming an integral part of the disc 74 which gear is driven by a gear 81 of slightly larger diameter and fixed to the shaft 58. Said shaft 58 receives its drive through the 1:1 gears 83 and 84, the gear 83 being fixed to the shaft 57 and the gear 84 being fixed to the shaft 58. I

Idler rollers 87 are spaced about the periphery of the disc 74 and engage the peripheral surface thereof to assist in the feeding of the checks therearound while passing from the advancing feed belt 39 on their way to the reader 24. The idler rollers are suitably mounted -on spring urged arms 88, which arms are carried by shafts 89 supported by the upper platform 33.

A check, upon being projected beyond the end of the advancing feed belt, is directed between the peripheral surfaces of the disc 74 and idler rollers .87 and is thereby moved at the speed of rotation ofthe disc 74. Due to the cycle timing of the advance feed belts relative to the movement of the sweep arms 76, said sweep arms will normally be slightly ahead of the approach of the leading end of each check to the disc 74, but when the check is engaged between the peripheral surface of the disc and idler rollers, the check will move at a greater speed than the sweep arms and quickly overtake one of the finger portions 77. Upon engagement of the check with the fingers, the disc periphery will slip along the check. The check will thus be timed to the movement of the sweep arm from this point on. An additional guide element 91 may be provided around the peripheral surface of the disc 74 to assist in maintaining contact between the check and the peripheral surface of the disc as it passes from one idler roller position to another.

Therefore, after contact between the leading edge of the check and the fingers 77, the check is properly timed to advance to the final check advancing elements which move at a rate of speedequal to the sweep arm and continue the movement of the check at that speed past the reader and triggering means and to one of the stacker positions. V

The check advancing mechanism at this stage may be of any suitable type but for the purpose of illustration, a short feed belt 92 is provided which cooperates with idler rollers 94 in effecting the drive of the check past the reader 24. From the reader position the check may be advanced by a continuous belt 97 and cooperating idler rollers 98.

In passing through a reading position certain data on the check such as the serial number will be read to develop a signal which is stored temporarily then transferred to a stacker control device. A further signal is effected when the leading end of the check passes a given point such as indicated by the registration or triggering line 100, which signal cooperates with electronically controlled apparatus to determine-which of the several stacking devices is to receive the check. Controls similar to those disclosed :in patent application Serial Number the pulley 108 and a cut-off end at 120, Fig. 1.

543,792., now abandoned, or any other suitable arrangement are adapted forum with the present device to effect -erly directed to the predetermined stacker unit which is to receive it. Referring to Fig. 1 the first stacker unit is 'there shown in combination with the other check advancing mechanisms and will serveas an example for the present description for stacking.

Assuming that the signal was directed to the. first 'stackerin' the group, the triggering effect would. send a signal to the first stacker to cause a gate 101 to open in the path of the moving check. See Fig. 7. Said gate 101 comprises a' flexible blade supported on a. bracket 102 at 103 which blade has its free end normally projected into an obstructing position relative to the stacker. Upon receiving the said signal, and at a properlyv timed relation, the free end of the strip will be lifted by means of a cam 105 insuch manner as toldeflect the leading end of the check into the stacker.

The stacker comprises a toothed timing belt 111 which is supported by a lead-in pulley 108, an end pul1ey'109, and an intermediate pulley 110. The lead-in pulley and the intermediate pulley are the same size while the end pulley 109 is smaller in diameter, the purpose of thelatter being to provide a change of direction to the path of the belt 111 between the pulleys 110 and 10 9. Said belt 111 is similar to the previously described check advancing feed belt 39 in that it has associated therewith a vacuum feed shoe 112. :As best seen in Fig.- 8, the'vacuum shoe 112 has a cross section similar to that previously described with relation to the vacuum shoe 47 and has a vacuum supply joined therewith as indicated at 113. As best shown in Fig. 7, avacuum slot 114 has a starting end 115 provided at a point about 90 from the surface of the belt where it wraps around The belt 111 also has openings or perforations 106 therein similar tothe openings 53 of theradvancing feed belt 41 which openings move through the path of the vacuum chamber in the shoe 112-and draw the'leading end of the check to the belt to cause the check to move therewith; The check is therefore acted upon in the same manner as described with regard to advancing the checks from their starting position. Instead of providing a continuous vacuum supply to the shoe 112, a valving means is provided as indicated at 116 which is adapted to be moved into operative or suction position when the cam 105 is rotated to effect opening of the gate. a A valve block 107 is provided for the support of the valving means 116 which block also provides for a vacuum supply port 121 and a port 122 connected with the slot 114. A tube 123 connects the port 121 with the vacuum supply and a 'tube 124 conblock 107 further provides a guiding surface 125 to guide the check toward the leading end of the vacuum slot 114.

inward while the trailingor'free end thereof will be whipped away from the path of the belt thus making it behind the previous check position without obstruction by the previous check. A further feature is provided in that the trailing end of the vacuum chamber is located short of the final check stopping position. The vacuum is thus cut off before the check has arrived at its stop position which permits the check to continue under its own momentum until the leading end thereof engages a stop 117 in the path thereof. The checks are therefore aligned at one end and along the lower edges thereof. A backing element 118 of any suitable type may be provided to produce weight against the checks as they continue to be fed into the stacking position. A moving platform of the type used at 20 may be used for this purpose. r

'An idler roller 119 is provided at the entrance end of the stacker to assist in guiding the leading end of the check to the vacuum pickup position.

To assist in maintaining the trailing end of the check away from the feed belt 111 during final feed into the stacker especially checks which become limp from use, a blast of air or any suitable mechanical means may be provided.

Having described the invention what is claimed is:

1. A check feeding device, vertically spaced advancing feed belts having at least one opening in each belt and supported on pulleys to provide a horizontal reach of each belt movable in one direction, vertically spaced reverse feed belts supported on pulleys to provide a horizontal reach of each belt movable in an opposite direction to the advancing feed belts, each of said advancing feed belts being positioned in an opposed relation to the reverse feed belts one above the other with the feeding surfaces thereof in substantial alignment with the path of the checks, a vacuum chamber associated with the inner surface of at least one reach of the advancing feed belts, a vacuum source connected with said chamber, and means to effect the preliminary feed of checks to the advancing feed belts, whereby when the belt openings come opposite the leading end of the foremost check it is drawn against the belt and advanced to a discharge position, the reverse feed belts preventing the feed of more than the check drawn against the advancing feed belt.

2. Apparatus for feeding checks of mixed size and thickness comprising, means for maintaining a stack of checks on edge, means for partially advancing the foremost check in an endwise direction from the stack, driven advancing feed belts with predetermined belts having at least one opening therein, the belts having frictional surfaces positioned in vertically spaced edge to edge relation and engaging the leading surface of the foremost check, reversely driven feed belts having vertically positioned frictional surfaces in opposed relation to and opposite the spaces between the advancing feed belts with all frictional surfaces aligned with the path of the checks, the reversely driven belts being positioned so as to prevent the normal advance of a check, and vacuum means having a vacuum area in the path of the openings in the advancing feed belts to effect check feeding while one or more openings in the belt move along the vacuum area thereof.

3. Apparatus for feeding checks of mixed size and thickness comprising, means for maintaining a stackof checks 'on edge, means for partially advancing the foremost check in an endwise direction from the stack, driven possible for a check immediately following to'move horizontally disposed advancing feed belts with predetermined belts having at least one opening therein, the belts having frictional surfaces positioned in vertically spaced edge to edge relation and engaging the leading surface of the foremost check, reversely driven feed belts having vertically positioned frictional feeding surfaces in anopposed relation to and opposite the spaces between the advancing feed belts with all frictional surfaces aligned with the path of the checks, the reversely driven belts being positioned so as to prevent the normal advance of a check, pulleys supporting the advancing feed belts and spaced to provide a reach of belt therebetween, and elongate vacuum shoe elements associated with the reach between advancing feed belts having the openings therein, each shoe element including an open chamber having a vacuum supply connected therewith and operative to effect check feeding while one or more openings in the belts move along the vacuum chamber area.

4. Apparatus for feeding checks of mixed size and thickness comprising, a plurality of horizontally disposed and verticallyspaced advancing feed belts having their feeding surfaces aligned with the path of the checks, a plurality of horizontally disposed and vertically spaced reverse running belts in alternate relation to the advancing feed belts and having their feeding surfaces in substantial alignment with but reversely positioned to the surfaces of the advancing feed belts, the sole forward and reverse frictional feeding forces of said belts being capable of preventing the feed of a check, certain of said advancing feed belts having at least one opening therein, a vacuum channel provided along the inner surface of each belt having the opening and aligned with the path through which the opening moves, and a source of vacuum supply to said channel, whereby, when the openings in the advancing feed belts pass along the vacuum channels, the vacuum caused force applied to the check in feeding position with relation to the belts will have SllfllClGIlt attraction to effect the advancement of the check while the reverse running belts prevent the feed of a second check therewith.

5. Apparatus for rapidly feeding checks of mixed size and thickness from a stack, advancing feed belts carried by pulleys positioned on vertical axes in a triangular order with two pulleys at the base and the third-pulley at the apex of the triangle, the belts over the base pulleys providing frictional check advancing surfaces engageable with one face of the check, reverse feed belts carried by pulleys positioned on vertical axes in a triangular order with two pulleys at the base and the third pulley at the apex of the triangle, the belts over the base pulleys of the reverse feed belts providing frictional check engaging surfaces opposing the check advancing surfaces of the advancing feed belts and engageable with the other face of the check to prevent the feeding of more than one check at a time, means to urge the foremost'check in the stack to a feeding position between the advancing and reversing feed belts, openings in theadvancing feed belts spaced apart in groups at distances greater than the longest check contemplated for use, and vacuum means associated with the reach of the advancing feed belts between the base pulleys thereof and in the path of the openings to effect attachment of the check to the feed belts and consequent advancement thereof past the reverse feed belts when the openings are within the vacuum area.

6. Apparatus for rapidly feeding checks of mixed size and thickness from a stack, advancing'feed belts carried by at least three pulleys positioned on vertical axes in an order wherein the belt reach between two of the pulleys provides frictional check advancing surfaces engageable with one face of the check, andwherein the remaining belt portions provide extensions for the purpose of permitting cooling, reverse feed belts carried by at least three pulleys positioned on'verticaI axes in an order wherein the belt reach between two of the pulleys provide frictional check engaging surfaces opposing the check advancing surfaces of the advancing feed belts and engageable with the other face of the check to prevent the feeding of more than one check at a time, means to to effect attachment of the check to the feed belts and a consequent advancement thereof past the reverse feed belts when the openings are within the vacuum area.

7. A device for rapidly separating checks from a stack and feeding them endwise, which comprises a continuously moving feed belt having one reach moving in the direction of feed and frictionally engaging the leading margin of the foremost check of the stack, said feed belt having a localized feature providing for periodic forceful attachment to a contacted check to feed the same endwise due to the feed belt movement whenever said feature is presented in contact with a check; and a belt opposing and closely adjacent to the surface of said feed belt for engaging the leading edge portion of one or more checks at the end of the stack, said opposing belt having a surface formed to engage the check with a frictional force greater than the unaided frictional force of the feed belt and continuously moving in a direction contrary to the direction of feed so as to prevent feeding of the foremost check until its preventive efiect is overcome by forceful attachment of the foremost check to said feed belt, and

. 10 so as to guard against feeding of the next check in the stack while the foremost check is being fed.

8. A device for rapidly separating checks stacked on edge and sequentially feeding them endwise, comprising continuously running frictional surfaced belts each having a localized feature providing for periodic forceful attachment to a contacted check and spaced edge to edge with their frictional faces aligned with the path of the checks, one end surface of each of said belts providing a lead-in surface in frictional engagement with the lead surface of the foremost check of the stack, and reversely moving frictional surfaced means coacting with said belts at the lead edge position of the foremost check and opposite the spaces between the belts to prevent the advance of the check until its preventive effect is overcome by the forceful attachment of the lead portion of the foremost check to the lead-in surface of the belts, whereby the said check is advanced while the next succeeding check is retained at the position of the reversely moving means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

